Monarch & Pollinator Rescue Program
The Western Monarch population is less than 1% of what it was in the 1980s; add to this the stressors of climate change, habitat loss, and pesticides, and the result is a drastically threatened species. The VCRCD understands that immediate action is needed NOW!
Overwintering Site Restorations
During winter, Monarchs need groves of tall trees to roost that offer protection from environmental factors such as wind, rain, cold temperatures, and sun exposure, in addition to resources such as freshwater and nectar. Due to the geographic location of Ventura County, restoration of current overwintering habitat locations are crucial to continue the historical migrations of Monarchs.
The Ventura County RCD is working to restore three Overwintering Sites right now: Hueneme Masonic Cemetery, Carpinteria Creek, and Douglas Family Preserve.
Breeding & Migratory Site Restorations
During the summer months, migratory monarchs and other native pollinators like native bees rely on nectar-producing plants such native, showy, flowering plants like black and purple sage, common yarrow, California fucshia, all before they lay their eggs on the monarch host plant, milkweed.
The Ventura County RCD is restoring habitat with these plants to provide monarchs and other native pollinators with nectar-producing plants, and host plants for monarch caterpillars.
Want to tour a restoration site?
Please feel free to request a tour of an overwintering site, or a breeding and migratory site, by emailing info@vcrcd.org. We hope to see you soon!